ADHD Medication Shortage Leaves Kiwis Struggling to
Access Treatment
People living with ADHD in New Zealand are facing an ongoing medication shortage, forcing some into difficult choices.
Photo: Retrieved from 123RF
With a global supply problem affecting methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, some New Zealanders are experiencing struggles.
Individuals with shortages who had previously relied on regular treatment expressed growing concern and sought
alternative ways to cope.
“The ADHD medication is there for a purpose, and without it, people really struggle,” explains [Spokesperson’s name and affiliation omitted]. “We’ve actually had people on social media asking, ‘Can somebody please lend me some medication?’
as a last resort.”
Supply Issues Persist as pharmac Seeks Long-term Solutions
The worldwide issues have impacted New Zealand’s supply since
[Year omitted] [Mention so
me time frame information]. While the shortage is anticipated to last until mid-2025. Pharmac, New Zealand’s pharmaceutical purchasing agency,[omitted Github link]
recently expanded funding to include lisdexamfetamine (known by the brand name Vyvanse), a medication already available privately since 2
023.
While some have welcomed news of lisdexamfetamine’s increased accessibility, noting that it may alleviate the
pressure on existing medication supplies. However, accessibility remains limited by prescription requirements.Only psychiatrists can prescribe lisdexamfetamine, and current wait times for
psychiatric care due to high demand
cious
re not being to procure sufficient quantities often, leaving individuals in a precarious situation.
The longer-term solutions involve multifaceted approaches to address the root cause.<
“We understand how challenging this situation is for those affected by this shortage. We are actively working with suppliers to improve the supply situation, however,
it’s a global issue,”
[Official statement].
“We
@@@ e whilst waiting for the situation to improve.”
What are the contributing factors to the global shortage of ADHD medication?
## Navigating the ADHD Medication Shortage: An Interview with Dr. Jane Smith
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Smith. We’re discussing a pressing issue affecting many Kiwis – the shortage of ADHD medication. Can you tell us more about the situation?
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. What we’re seeing is a global shortage of methylphenidate, a common medication used to treat ADHD. This shortage is impacting New Zealand significantly, leaving many individuals struggling to access the treatment they need. [[1](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/the-rx-crisis-the-impact-of-ongoing-adhd)]
**Interviewer:** It seems this shortage isn’t unique to New Zealand. Are there contributing factors driving this global problem?
**Dr. Smith:** Several factors are likely at play. This article [[1](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/the-rx-crisis-the-impact-of-ongoing-adhd)]mentions that in the US, shortages of Adderall, another ADHD medication, have been recorded since late 2022. This suggests a broader supply chain issue affecting ADHD medications globally.
**Interviewer:** What are the consequences of this shortage for people with ADHD?
**Dr. Smith:** For individuals with ADHD, access to medication is crucial for managing their symptoms and leading fulfilling lives. This shortage can have detrimental effects, leading to increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and challenges with daily tasks. Some people are forced to make difficult choices, like rationing their medication or even going without, which can severely impact their well-being.
**Interviewer:** So, what can be done to address this issue?
**Dr. Smith:** We need a multifaceted approach. This includes working with pharmaceutical companies to increase production capacity, exploring alternative treatment options, and advocating for increased government funding for research and development of new ADHD medications.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Smith, for shedding light on this important issue. We hope this conversation raises awareness and encourages action to ensure everyone with ADHD has access to the necessary support and treatment.
